Graham Norton, novelist

This is a bonus episode with a writer who, in a way, has carved out a bonus career: Graham Norton. Long-established as a hugely successful presenter and comedian in the UK, he published his first novel, Holding, in 2016, and has followed that with 2018's A Keeper, and most recently last year's Home Stretch. They are well-plotted, sensitively written novels that turn the spotlight on small-town Ireland. I spoke to Graham in April, when he was at his home in London, and we discussed how fear of the first book's reception stopped him from over-writing it; why he has tried to keep his two careers apart; and how he's learning to trust the reader.

Home Stretch is now out in paperback, and I would also highly recommend Graham's second memoir, The Life and Loves of a He Devil. You can find his books and those of other guests of the podcast here, along with a selection of books on writing that I've found helpful: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/in-writing

This episode of In Writing is sponsored by Curtis Brown Creative. Use code INWRITING20 for £20 off one of their four, six, or ten-week online writing courses. Go to http://curtisbrowncreative.co.uk to find out more.